Analysis of the sexual behavior of elderly women treated at a gynecological outpatient clinic

Abstract

Abstract Objective: to analyze the sexual behavior of the elderly women treated at the gynecological outpatient clinic over a period of one year, estimating the proportion of sexually active women, those with an interest in sex, and those who considered the activity of sex important for quality of life, among other findings. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study was performed. A pilot study was carried out in order to adjust and validate the data collection instrument. A convenience sample of 100 women was considered for the evaluation of socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behavior, including questions relating to sexual practice and interfering factors. The data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, and the associations were verified by Pearson’s Chi-squared test, considering a significance of 5%. Results: it was observed that 60.0% of the elderly women felt sexual desire, although 26.0% were sexually active. While 75.5% reported that aging does not improve the quality of sex, 83.0% believed that it is important for quality of life and 78.0% affirmed that there is no age limit for sexual activity. The cultural view of the elderly may interfere with the maintenance of a sexual life, since 51.0% reported feeling sexual prejudice due to their age. Conclusion: sexuality is directly related to the perception of quality of life and as it is a vital human function, can interfere in the social, professional, physical and psychic performance of the individual. The practice of and the desire for sex are not extinguished with aging, which contradicts the myth that the elderly person is an asexual being.